<strong>Could you pass the coffin test?:</strong> "When you are actually in the coffin, it feels like you are dead!" Tammy, 15, tells CNN Travel while emerging from the long rectangular box in Bangkok's new death-themed cafe.
Could you pass the coffin test?: "When you are actually in the coffin, it feels like you are dead!" Tammy, 15, tells CNN Travel while emerging from the long rectangular box in Bangkok's new death-themed cafe.
Richard S. Ehrlich
<strong>A Buddhist 'exhibition': </strong>Bangkok's new Kid Mai ("Think New") Death Cafe is a Buddhist "exhibition." Patrons who buy cookies and icy refreshments can also take part in a "death awareness" experiment.
A Buddhist 'exhibition': Bangkok's new Kid Mai ("Think New") Death Cafe is a Buddhist "exhibition." Patrons who buy cookies and icy refreshments can also take part in a "death awareness" experiment.
Richard S. Ehrlich
<strong>'I don't want to die': </strong>Angie, a 20-year-old student, poses next to the cafe's resin skeleton but won't go inside the coffin "because I don't want to die now."
'I don't want to die': Angie, a 20-year-old student, poses next to the cafe's resin skeleton but won't go inside the coffin "because I don't want to die now."
Richard S. Ehrlich
<strong>Cafe's centerpiece: </strong>Adorned on the outside with traditional gold-colored angelic spirits, the open white coffin awaits its next human.
Cafe's centerpiece: Adorned on the outside with traditional gold-colored angelic spirits, the open white coffin awaits its next human.
Richard S. Ehrlich
<strong>The coffin test: </strong>Take off your shoes, climb into the Buddhist coffin and relax on your back on soft padding as a wooden lid slides over you.
The coffin test: Take off your shoes, climb into the Buddhist coffin and relax on your back on soft padding as a wooden lid slides over you.
Richard S. Ehrlich
<strong>Death menu: </strong>The cafe's modestly priced menu includes death-themed coffee drinks, such as the "One Year Left" latte, "One Month Left" mocha and the "Last Day" espresso.
Death menu: The cafe's modestly priced menu includes death-themed coffee drinks, such as the "One Year Left" latte, "One Month Left" mocha and the "Last Day" espresso.
Richard S. Ehrlich
<strong>Modern and causal: </strong>This informal, shaded outdoor courtyard cafe also includes a small fish pond, a Buddha statue and modern, mostly black, decor.
Modern and causal: This informal, shaded outdoor courtyard cafe also includes a small fish pond, a Buddha statue and modern, mostly black, decor.
Richard S. Ehrlich
<strong>Also on the menu: </strong>Buddhist teachings are available on audio discs for those who want to learn more about death awareness and other concepts.
Also on the menu: Buddhist teachings are available on audio discs for those who want to learn more about death awareness and other concepts.
Richard S. Ehrlich
<strong>The taste of death: </strong>This drink of "Death" is a cold, delicious, strong chocolate treat topped with whipped cream.
The taste of death: This drink of "Death" is a cold, delicious, strong chocolate treat topped with whipped cream.
Richard S. Ehrlich
<strong>Opening hours: </strong>Though death awaits any time of day, the cafe is only open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Opening hours: Though death awaits any time of day, the cafe is only open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Richard S. Ehrlich